Tuesday, 17 July 2012

What You Need to Know About Cosmetic Dentistry


The demand for cosmetic dental procedures is higher than ever. The advances in the field have made it possible to fix almost any type of dental imperfection and brighten an individual’s smile. Closing gaps between teeth, reshaping teeth that do not match the others, filling cavities using tooth-colored materials, repairing rough spots or chips with filling that match your teeth, bleaching to whiten teeth, and covering broken teeth with porcelain crowns are some of the common cosmetic dentistry procedures. 

Reasons for Cosmetic Treatment

New York cosmetic dental experts can correct almost any type of aesthetic and restorative dental problem you may have. The common reasons for cosmetic services include: 

  •          Weak biting surface
  •          Overcrowded teeth
  •          Jagged teeth
  •          Missing teeth
  •          Discolored teeth

What Treatment Options Are Available? 

Cosmetic treatments range from correcting a damaged tooth to replacing the full dental structure. 

  •          Periodontics – Altering gum tissue to enhance your smile. Periodontic procedures include crown lengthening, gum grafts, dental implants, bone grafting and cosmetic periodontal surgery
  •          Orthodontic procedures – Use of corrective techniques such as braces and retainers to correct damaged or misaligned teeth
  •          Porcelain jackets – A type of ceramic crown that is bonded to the tooth, has a greater depth of color, and is opalescent. Crowns are placed for esthetic reasons or to maintain structural and functional integrity of tooth, for instance, in case of a tooth that needs a large filling
  •          Dental filling – Tooth color fillings instead of traditional metal fillings used for cavities and other similar problems
  •          Bonding –A material is applied to the teeth, polished, and shaped to match existing contours
  •          Implants – Replace missing teeth with artificial teeth anchored to the gums. Dental implants are ideal for those who have lost one or more teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease or some other reason
  •          Bridges – Used when one or more teeth are missing, dental bridges are supported by implants or natural teeth
  •          Crowns – A damaged tooth is covered with a cap and shaped to match existing tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, strengthen, and/or improve its appearance
  •          Veneers – A porcelain ceramic shell applied to the damaged tooth. A dental veneer can improve the appearance of your teeth
  •          Teeth whitening – Choices include laser whitening done at the dental clinic or the use of home bleaching kits
  •          Dentures, gum surgery, tooth contouring and reshaping, and porcelain and ceramic inlays are other essential cosmetic procedures
Am I The Right Candidate?

Not everyone can be an ideal candidate for all the cosmetic procedures listed above. Your NY cosmetic dentist will recommend the best treatment options based on your dental condition and the results you wish to achieve. Existing dental conditions, issues such as tooth sensitivity and the presence of fixtures can influence what services you can receive and how effective they would be. 

If you have been limiting your smile because you are embarrassed by the condition of your teeth, cosmetic dentistrycan offer an effective solution. With the technology available today, cosmetic dentistry can help you make the most of your smile. A simple teeth whitening procedure can bring about a dramatic change in your appearance and boost your confidence.